SE IB Course Guide_2022

C O U R S E T E X T

Computer Science

M P U T E R S C I E N C E

IB Computer Science is suitable for anyone who wants to learn how computers work, how to control what computers do, and how they have shaped the modern world and will continue to do so in the future. One of the main aims is to develop your computational thinking skills: taking a complex problem, breaking it down into steps, and explaining those steps in a way which can’t be misunderstood is the essence of programming. More than that, though, you will develop an understanding of what is going on inside a computer when it runs software, and at a higher level explore how computers fit into modern day business and society. The course currently runs at Standard Level only (course details below) but we are seeking to make it available at Higher Level if sufficient demand. You do not need to have studied Computer Science previously to study it at IB though some proficiency, especially at Higher Level would be advised. Please speak to Mr Hooper for advice here. . For specific details on the Higher Level course, please contact Mr Hooper. The Standard Level course is broadly split into four core topic areas:

• System fundamentals (20 hours) • Computer organisation (6 hours) • Networks (9 hours) • Computational thinking and programming (45 hours)

There is also one option, which will be Object Oriented Programming (30 hours). COMPONENT ASSESSMENT CONTENTS Paper 1 90 minute exam (45% of grade) A mixture of short and long-form questions, on the compulsory ‘core’ of the Computer Science syllabus. Paper 2 60 minute exam (25% of grade) A set of questions on the chosen

option, which will be Object Oriented Programming. This will involve developing a knowledge of the programming language Java, and interpreting and constructing simple Java programs. You will be required to produce a piece of Internal Assessment (30 hours), which involves the planning and development of a ‘computational solution’ for a client, along with documentation showing how you followed the software development cycle. This aims to showcase a candidates algorithmic thinking and organisational skills.

Internal Assessment 30%

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